When people begin exploring hearing aids, the goal is usually simple: hear conversations more clearly and stay engaged with the people around them. But today’s hearing technology offers benefits that go well beyond improved hearing.
One feature many hearing aid users quickly come to appreciate is connectivity. Modern hearing aids can work with smartphones and other devices, making it easier to enjoy phone calls, music, podcasts, videos, and more without relying solely on the speakers around you.
Hearing Aids That Work With Your Everyday Technology
Technology has become part of nearly every aspect of our day. We use our phones for conversations, entertainment, work, directions, and staying in touch with family and friends.
Compatible hearing aids can connect with supported iOS and Android™ devices, allowing audio to stream directly to your hearing aids. Rather than listening through your phone’s speaker, the sound can be delivered directly through your hearing devices.
This can make everyday activities—from catching up on a phone call to watching a favorite show—feel more natural and convenient.
More Than Just Hearing: Oticon Reveal™
One example of today’s connected hearing technology is Oticon Reveal™, which is designed to work with compatible smartphones and other devices. With supported iOS and Android™ devices, users can stream phone calls, music, podcasts, videos, and other audio directly to their hearing aids.
Instead of relying on your phone’s speaker or trying to position the phone just right, streamed audio can be delivered directly through your hearing aids. For people who regularly use their smartphone throughout the day, this can add a whole new level of convenience to the hearing experience.
Oticon Reveal also incorporates technology designed to make streaming more comfortable in different listening environments. Its Streaming Comfort feature can automatically adjust surrounding sounds while you’re listening to streamed audio, helping you focus on what you’re hearing without completely disconnecting from your surroundings.
A Better Way to Stay Connected
Connectivity can be especially useful when you’re talking with family and friends. Instead of holding your phone in a particular position or trying to hear through background noise, compatible hearing aids can stream calls directly to your ears.
The same technology can be used for other types of audio, including music, podcasts, videos, and virtual meetings.
For people who spend a lot of time using their smartphones, this added functionality can make hearing aids feel less like a separate device and more like an integrated part of everyday life.
Looking Ahead: Auracast™ and Public Audio
Connectivity doesn’t stop when you leave home. Auracast™ broadcast audio is an emerging technology that can allow compatible hearing devices to receive audio from public broadcast systems.
As more public spaces adopt Auracast, people with compatible hearing technology may be able to access audio from systems in places such as airports, transportation centers, theaters, conference spaces, and other venues.
The technology is still developing, and availability depends on the individual location and equipment. However, Auracast represents an exciting step toward making public audio more accessible and giving people with hearing loss greater freedom to participate in everyday activities.
Convenient Control From Your Phone
Modern hearing aids can also give you greater control over your listening experience.
With the Oticon Companion app, compatible users can make adjustments from their smartphone, check and manage hearing aid settings, locate misplaced devices, and access other helpful features.
Having these controls readily available can make it easier to adapt your hearing aids to different situations throughout the day.
Hearing Technology Designed Around Your Life
Hearing aids have come a long way from simply making sounds louder. Today’s technology is designed to support communication while also fitting naturally into the way people live, work, and enjoy their favorite activities.
For many users, the ability to connect directly with their everyday devices becomes one of the most appreciated features of their hearing aids.
Whether you’re taking a phone call, listening to music, watching television, attending a virtual meeting, or eventually accessing public audio through Auracast, connected hearing technology can help make everyday listening more convenient.
If you’re considering hearing aids or wondering what newer technology can offer, the best way to find out is to experience it for yourself.
Contact Hearing & Audiology Services today to learn more about Oticon hearing technology and whether today’s connected hearing solutions may be right for you.
